Arizona Officials Demand Investigation into Dragon Bravo Fire Spread, Destruction

Arizona officials, including Governor Katie Hobbs and Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, are demanding a thorough investigation into the management of the Dragon Bravo Fire, which originated from a lightning strike and rapidly expanded across the north rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire, initially managed as a controlled burn by federal authorities, spread due to dry conditions and heavy winds, ultimately burning over 8,500 acres and destroying between 50 and 80 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and a water treatment facility. The officials question the decision to treat the fire as a controlled burn during the hottest part of the Arizona summer and emphasize the need for accountability and improved wildfire response strategies, especially in light of the Grand Canyon's significance. Senators Kelly and Gallego have formally requested answers from the Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum regarding the rationale behind these decisions and the resources deployed to combat the fire. Governor Hobbs called for aggressive federal action to contain the fire and prevent further damage while seeking transparency about the federal government's emergency response. These concerns also highlight past incidents, such as the 2006 Warm Fire, where similar management decisions led to extensive wildfire damage, underscoring the urgency for an independent review to prevent recurrence.